Project Celebration Receives $5K Donation from AT&T

AT&T has handed over a $5,000 check to Project Celebration, the non-profit that's taken over the domestic violence shelter for women and children in Caddo, Bossier, Webster and DeSoto Parishes.

"The idea of one second, of one minute, of one hour, of a single day happening here in Shreveport, Bossier, DeSoto or Webster where there was not a place for those who find themselves the victims of domestic violence, to be able to be effectively sheltered and supported and transitioned back into a whole and full life was something that was simply not acceptable," said Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover.

He commended AT&T Regional Director David Aubrey for stepping up on the company's behalf to make this donation. Aubrey said AT&T makes significant contributions to our local community, but it wanted to do more. And officials saw this as a chance to give back.

"I'm honored to be a part of this community and I want you to know that AT&T cares," Aubrey said. "Today, we're honored to be one of the corporations that has accepted the challenge, as Mayor Glover has talked about, to support a very worthwhile organization."

Project Celebration President Mitzi Harris said the City of Shreveport, led by Mayor Glover, and corporations like AT&T have been crucial in the non-profit's ability to deliver services to women, men and children in our area.

"Since taking over in July, we have served 60 women, 55 children at the shelter here in Shreveport," Harris said. "We have also served 80 individuals with non-residential services. Non-residential services may include legal advocacy if someone needed a protective order, of if they just needed some support in trying to get away from an abusive situation."

Harris said in Louisiana, over 100 children will lose a parent due to a domestic violence homicide. Louisiana also ranks number 4 in the nation for domestic violence homicides.

"It is a number that we're not proud of," Harris said. "[It takes] a community and organizations coming together to help us provide services for those that fall victim to domestic violence."